Sweet, Spicy, Tangy 30minute Marinara.

[DougGuy]

I had some fried Calamari with marinara from one of our local eateries here, and the marinara just about knocked my socks off! It was SOOOOO GOOD!! I went back and got some to go, brought it home and used it to make meatball subs, again, VERY tasty marinara.

I will admit that I have never been a big fan of marinara, and frankly most of what I have had in restaurants has been ho-hum, but not this stuff! So today I set about creating my own (never made marinara before) sauce that emulated the stuff in the restaurant. I wanted 3 main flavors in the flavor profile, I wanted tomatoey, tangy, and sweet, in just about that order. Red pepper optional but I like it with a little zing.. I made this today using 1/2 tsp red pepper, my GF said it was a tad too hot for her, but it was perfect for me. I edited the recipe to 1/4 tsp to cool it down.


Ingredients

1 28oz. can Tuttorosso crushed tomatoes
3 cloves fresh garlic minced
8-12 fresh basil leaves depending on size, chopped
2 tsp dried spicy oregano
½ tsp thyme
12-15 small capers
1 ½ tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

Combine all ingredients in saucepan and simmer over low heat 30mins.

Serve over pasta, breaded cutlet for parmigiana, serve on the side for dipping sauce, broiled fish, it lends itself to anything you want a tomatoey zing to so enjoy! I know I will be making this more often, and if you want to make a larger batch, just double or triple up on the ingredients.

The Tuttorosso crushed tomatoes came from walmart, the FIRST thing you want to do, is to taste the tomatoes, if they are not sweet from the can, they aren't likely to improve or add any significant flavor in the marinara so look for a different brand.

[pertnear]

I luv marinara sauce. I'll give this a try.

[gwpercle]

I had some fried Calamari with marinara from one of our local eateries here, and the marinara just about knocked my socks off! It was SOOOOO GOOD!! I went back and got some to go, brought it home and used it to make meatball subs, again, VERY tasty marinara.

I will admit that I have never been a big fan of marinara, and frankly most of what I have had in restaurants has been ho-hum, but not this stuff! So today I set about creating my own (never made marinara before) sauce that emulated the stuff in the restaurant. I wanted 3 main flavors in the flavor profile, I wanted tomatoey, tangy, and sweet, in just about that order. Red pepper optional but I like it with a little zing.. I made this today using 1/2 tsp red pepper, my GF said it was a tad too hot for her, but it was perfect for me. I edited the recipe to 1/4 tsp to cool it down.


Ingredients

1 28oz. can Tuttorosso crushed tomatoes
3 cloves fresh garlic minced
8-12 fresh basil leaves depending on size, chopped
2 tsp dried spicy oregano
½ tsp thyme
12-15 small capers
1 ½ tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

Combine all ingredients in saucepan and simmer over low heat 30mins.

Serve over pasta, breaded cutlet for parmigiana, serve on the side for dipping sauce, broiled fish, it lends itself to anything you want a tomatoey zing to so enjoy! I know I will be making this more often, and if you want to make a larger batch, just double or triple up on the ingredients.

The Tuttorosso crushed tomatoes came from walmart, the FIRST thing you want to do, is to taste the tomatoes, if they are not sweet from the can, they aren't likely to improve or add any significant flavor in the marinara so look for a different brand.

You kicked it up a couple notches with the spices ( I see some cajun sneaking in there) . Don't leave out the red pepper flakes ... they rock the dish .
And the Tip about tasting the Tomatoes and adding suger is Right On ... the sugar improves the taste big time ... You'all need to keep sugar in mind when cooking with tomatoes .
My Italian Mother in Law taught me that little cooking secrete ... She say's " It cuts the acid taste of the tomatoes " a few types are sweet (not too acidic) but most need sugar ... I always add 1 tablespoon when I'm cooking tomatoe sauces or as she calls it "Red Gravy".

Awesome sounding recipe DougGuy!

Gary

[GregLaROCHE]

Why do posts like this make me so hungry?
I was once told by n Italian, that the best tomato sauces were made with pealed tomatoes. Has anyone else heard this?

[gwpercle]

Why do posts like this make me so hungry?
I was once told by n Italian, that the best tomato sauces were made with pealed tomatoes. Has anyone else heard this?

The Power Of Suggestion is Great ...And It Is Real !!!
I hate wating Bar-B-Que cooking shows ... it always "flings a craving" on me and I have to get some good BBQ or bust at the seams .

I always peel my tomatoes before canning or freezing ... and when cooking with fresh tomatoes ... the skin separates and doesn't break down ... I always thought it was more a visual thing, peeling them so you didn't have the pieces of tomato skin floating around in the dish ... but it could be the peeled tomatoes are sweeter .
I know cooking with peeled tomatoes looks better !
Gary

[T-Bird]

When tomatoes are canned, citric acid is added to them to make them more safe to can (they are somewhat acidic off the vine). I've found that adding 1/4-1/2 tsp baking soda to a 28 oz can of canned tomato product increases the sweetness by neutralizing the added citric acid. More sugar can be added but sometimes is not needed.

[T-Bird]

Looks like a REAL good marinara! gonna try it! (forgot to say that.)